Here is the second part of the posting for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest…

♥ ♥ Please see the first entries here (along withe the RULES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED)! ♥ ♥

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia

♥ ♥ You can read the Contest Announcement post here ♥ ♥

* And you can read the corresponding story for each picture in this post; pictures have numbers in the caption – check the number in the  content to read that cute or funny or heart-warming Valentine’s dog picture story! *

— *** —         — *** —-

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer

1. Abby and Service Dog Olivia:Here is a photo of me & my service dog, Olivia. I love the way she naturally posed next to me with our faces touching. When I look at this photo I see love and enjoyment in both our faces. This photo was taken Mother’s Day 2011 in Florida. It was one of the best days we have had in a long time….my sister lives in RI & I live in FL along w/ our parents. Our mother didn’t know of any Mother’s Day plans that year… I told her I needed something at her house & would be stopping by. When the door opened my mom said  “Hi Abby!” It took about 2 minutes for her to realize that it was my sister, Heather, standing in the living room. Surprise!! She was crying & squeezing my sister. We took this photo aboard a Water Taxi.

3. Dudley the Coton du Tulear

Olivia provides medical assistance for me & has given much independence & freedom to me. You know I don’t like getting old, but as we do, it’s nice to know we can do wonderful things for the Mom that put so much love and dedication into raising us..

Comment – BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE to a Mother… mine is my hero, too!

2. Donna and Service Dog Sawyer:My name is Donna I’m 42 years old and — I have Muscular Dystrophy, and am confined to a wheelchair.  My best friend is my handsome Blonde-Golden Retriever service dog Sawyer. I don’t know  how I ever made it without Sawyer. He can alert if I have a seizures, he turns my lights on and off, he opens and closes doors for me, he picks up things if I drop them, he can even dial 911. My husband says Sawyer watches me at night while I’m sleeping; he wakes us up if I’m breathing shallow. He changed my life forever; I

4. Sadie Getting Her Nails Painted

can go places and do things & never be afraid that there will be no one to help me if I need assistance. Even small things like pushing my arm back up on my arm rest with his nose, It’s like he just knows what I need him to do. You don’t get to pick your service dog, the dog has to pick you… Sawyer picked me and we bonded instantly.

Comment: OK, let me stop crying now!

3. Dudley the Coton de Tulear:Dudley the Coton de Tulear has been in our family for one year. He is pure love! His smile lights up the room. My husband has just gotten home, and he was so glad to see him!

5. Kash and Jesse

4. Gabriela Painting Sadie’s Nails: Sadie our 3-year-old Rottweiler gets her nails painted for Valentines – a beautiful hot pink – by my 10-year-old daughter Gabriela! We thought this picture was Valentines worthy since she doesn’t really like her feet touched!!

5. Kash and Jesse:This pic was taken by my sister, Michelle – it was just before Christmas and the red you see behind the dogs is a red tree skirt. Kash (female) is on the left and Jesse (male) is on the right. We adopted Kash from a local shelter here in Dallas; she was found with a puppy and since puppies are more likely to get adopted out we choose her. She

6. Lola

was only $25! She already had her ears clipped. Jesse and Kash get along very well and love each other as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Facebook question to Jennifer (owner): I don’t understand why you said you took her since puppies are more likely to get adopted…? Wouldn’t that make you want to take a dog that’s a bit older…? I mean no offense, I just don’t understand the explanation I guess…

6. Lola:This is Lola, she’s been the light of my life every since I lost my Border Collie to cancer back in 2010. We have the same birthday (Feb 7th) and I received her on my birthday. She will be 3 this year, and she’s such a blessing who has mended a broken heart.

7. Scout

Comment: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

7. Scout: W-xoxo-f!… My beautiful Westie, ‘Scout,’ who has the biggest heart and loves everyone! Scout will share his prize with our local APL.. wxoxof! Thank you and blessings!

8. Tygeta

8. Tygeta in Her Condo!: This is my perfect little girl Taygeta [sic] in her condo. Tayeta [sic] was named after a star because she has brought such a bright shining light in to [sic] my life. I am sick & she has brought such joy to me it is amazing but all my dogs have! Tata is her (nickname) is  a angel in every way and is  always a winner even if she doesn’t win the contest! She will always be a winner in my eyes; she is treated like a princess and always will be along with the rest of my furry kids! Only a animal will love you for who you truly are.

Franklin the Dog Park Greeter!

The Friends of Lakewood Dog Park and Subaru sponsored an event yesterday, Super Bowl Sunday, for My Best Friend’s Bowl (MBFB), a local pet food bank-sort of-animal welfare group. (They serve clients of Lakewood Community Services Center from Lakewood, Rocky River and Westlake, Ohio ONLY right now until funding grows…)

The event aimed to increase food donations for cat and dog owners in Cleveland.

MBFB’s founder, Judy Towner, explained yesterday that she started the Cleveland pet food charity while working for a local food bank.

A “client” came to her on the side awhile back and said, “excuse me, you don’t happen to have a bag of dog food somewhere around, do you? I’ve been feeding my dog rice for a week or two now…”

Yes this broke her heart.

(Yes, it broke MY heart hearing it…)

But I have spoken before about the effects of the recession on pet abandonment. I would rather have Judy and My Best Friend’s Bowl put healthy, appropriate pet food in an animal’s bowl than have that particular animal (or multiple Cleveland animals) surrendered to a shelter or rescue that’s already over-loaded, or worse, let loose to run (and/or die and/or reproduce) on the streets.

* Side note: Since 2009, the amount of abandoned animals has skyrocketed. The American Humane Association estimated that in 2009 alone there were 8,000 foreclosures every day and with those – there were 15,000 to 26,000 animals in danger of losing their homes daily. (The ASPCA also issued several statements – one

"Stuff the Subarus!"

here in February 2009. The harm to animals because of the economy and foreclosure crisis problems started affecting household pets as early as the summer of 2008.)

Anyhow, the Subaru station wagons appearing at the Lakewood Dog Park yesterday were quite large…! And, by about 12:45 p.m., which was 45 minutes before the end of the event, they were filled to the brim with goodies, as you can see from the photos.  There were all types of cat food, cat treats, dog food, dog supplies and dog bones there…. Some kind folks from Subaru even made cat nip toys to sell and donate proceeds to the cause. Plus there was a half-full donation jar at the head of the park (at 11:30 a.m., 30 minutes in…)

Needless to say, this event was a rousing success.

Some dog park regulars who came said they were impressed at the turnout. One man, “Skee,” said that he’s a “3 pm regular… but [the event had] brought dog-lovers and animal welfare folks from all around the area as far as [he] could tell.”

I myself talked to folks from as far away as East Side suburbs, a good 40-minute drive.

Again, the Super Bowl Sunday Pet Food Donation Drive was a smashing Subaru success. I waited to post this until today because I wanted to get a final tally – the last count was 1,030 pounds of food! HOORAH!!

Just one of TWO Subarus STUFFED with dog/cat goodies...

Yip-Yip-Hooray!

The ThoughtsFurPaws admins encourage you all to “LIKE” the Lakewood Dog Park and My Best Friend’s Bowl on Facebook to garner more support for them.

*** And if you live here check out the regular dog park pooches including, Peanut, Franklin, Ignacio (who knows Latin and doesn’t stop kissing), Cass (who is a sweet rescue girl just coming around) et al. ***

And, should you be interested in getting a pet-friendly car in Cleveland, Ohio — Subaru has a reputation around town, and they’re famous for being the most animal-friendly car in the country — please contact Laurie at Ganley Westside Subaru, 25730 Lorain Rd. in North Olmstead. You can also call 216-513-9565 with inquiries.

Thanks Subaru and My Best Friend’s Bowl for saving the lives of Cleveland animals –

- and for helping Cleveland families in need who would otherwise have to let go of their beloved four-legged fur friends!

** By the way, if you’re planning to donate to a pet food drive or bring food to a shelter/rescue, PLEASE ensure that your wares ARE NOT EXPIRED. Judy – who is thankfully extremely thorough — received quite a few cases of expired dog food on Sunday  — it is so old it’s considered poisonous…  She told me that “a man brought 15 cases of dog food. I always check dates on them and out of the 180 cans he brought, I found only 12 cans I can use. Maybe … you could advise your followers/readers that if they are going to donate something … to please check the date. His was from 2007-2010 and when I turned the cans to check the date, I actually heard them slosh inside! POISON!!! This also goes for their own food. Sometimes they don’t realize how long it’s been on the shelf!!” **

I know that 99 % of us pet rescuers/volunteers/etc have the best intentions, but you MUST be detailed in your giving or in-kind donating – and ensure the goodness of the food (and other things too – like that your check won’t bounce, causing the organization more for a return fee than the original donation, for example — things like that.) The thought actually crossed my mind that there are malicious and mean volunteers who are only doing it because they are on paper or something.

So please, everyone double-check everything & DO NOT give your dog or cat expired ANYTHING-especially medication (that’s what my vet said on the phone from Avon Lake Animal Clinic in Lorain County, Ohio.).

So, for the Valentine’s Day Doggie Photo Contest — here are the entries (first round). ( See announcement post HERE.)

And, more importantly – here are the RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest - please read carefully or you will not be qualified!

** CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. The last entrants will be posted Feb 13th (evening) or Feb 14th; you are highly encouraged to get your cute dog pictures in early because voting ends February 18.

Winners will be announced the night of the 18th or on the 19th some time… Prizes will be coming from Spring Naturals, Stella and Chewy’s, Lickety Stik, PetSmart and more

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. ♥

♥ It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

RULES:

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS and I will test the emails.

YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys. The Admins and I will also weigh in before the next post and leave a message after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

4. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment. You can post this post on FB – but VOTES on FB won’t count because not everyone has an account there…

5. Remember: Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com or by commenting on THIS POST or the ANNOUNCEMENT POST HERE

Please check out the pix below and the stories included therein – each cute dog picture has a number and a corresponding story

1. AVA

2. BAILEY

3. CHANCE

4. FENRIS

5. GEORGIA

6. JACKSON

7. JAKE

8. LIBBYLU and MAX

9. MARIA and TACO

1.AVA: Ava, the Italian Greyhound, is the ultimate snuggle bug and loves nothing more than to be burrowed under covers, sleeping. This picture nails her personality so perfectly. She pops her head out of her ‘nest’ every so often to make sure she approves of what is going on around the house, and then snuggles back in.

2. BAILEY: This is a favorite photo because the three teddy bears are Bailey’s cuddle mates & he seemed delighted to have them get dressed up for Valentine’s Day for photos with him. Bailey wishes everyone a happy holiday!

3.  CHANCE: Chance was tied to a train track and hit by a couple of trains, so he has some back end damage and has to wear a diaper. We were going to a Blessing of the Animals event and my friend Rod didn’t want Chance to be embarrassed so he dressed him up. (Which probably embarrassed him more but he looks so darned cute, who cares!)

10. CALVIN

4. FENRIS:  I love this picture of Fenris because he looks so happy. He is a true treasure and such a good dog. I think the cats would even agree that he is a good doggie… After all, he doesn’t chase them and he will even let them eat dry food out of his bowl. Surely you can’t fault him for being unwilling to share the canned dog food

5. GEORGIA: This pretty girl was a Father’s Day gift for my husband – AND SHE HAS ALREADY MADE THE COVER OF A MAGAZINE! (She was on XXX – see 2nd pic at bottom). Georgia’s Mom didn’t want her at first but realized after taking her friend to multiple 8-hour chemo sessions how wonderful animals are and how helpful they can be (Ahem, hello Sasha!)

5. GEORGIA on Country Roads Magazine

11. OLIVER

6. JACKSON:  Jackson, a Spaniel mix, is “my playful boy who loves nothing more than to be outside running around in the cold!” This picture was taken at the dog park on one of the coldest days of the year. I was in several layers of clothes and still freezing, and Jackson was totally in his element. I swear, he must be part Siberian Husky!

7. JAKE: Jake He 9-years-old and the “best dog I’ve ever seen.”  He is so pleasant and well-behaved.  He likes to sit outside but this day it was cold so his owner puts out a mattress, a pillow and a blanket for him.  He doesn’t even have a leash.  He does not go past the yard.  The entrant said she “just had to take a picture: so I don’t think Jake can win since the entrant doesn’t own a dog. However, Jake did just sit there and pose; and since he is so nice, if you would like to vote for him, we can send the prize to his neighbor and she can take his winnings to him. Let me know what you all think.

8. “LIBBYLU” and MAX: Both rescued from Wisconsin shelters over three years ago… these Golden Retrievers are well-loved by their families and now enjoy the life of spoiled dogs  instead of being behind a cage…

9. MARIA and TACO: Maria, and her dog Taco Bell, are inseparable and go everywhere together. Maria is a professional Salsa dancer in Southwest Florida and Taco Bell has been the designated mascot for her dance troupe for 3 years now! In their spare time, Maria & Taco like to sunbathe in the hammock under palm trees and walk along Ft. Myers beaches.

10. CALVIN: This is my furry Valentine Calvin, the love of my life. He was born with a heart defect, but will soon undergo surgery to repair his tiny heart, so Valentine’s Day is special for us. There is no guarantee that he will survive the risky surgery, but without it he has no chance at all. I take many pics of Calvin but this is one of my favorites.  Calvin was a little cold at an outdoor event, so he wrapped himself up in his special blanket! His personality is just as it appears in the photo, sweet and innocent with a side of mischief.  I am thankful every day that this puppy came into my life.  He has taught me so much about unconditional love and never losing hope.

11. OLIVER: Introducing Oliver: he is a 5-year-old Wire-Haired Dachshund who is a natural “ham!” He is wonderful in every way. Children and adults alike are always smiling when He is around. Oliver is just a happy, charismatic pup, very much loved by his family!

REMEMBER READERS and VOTERS:

The RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest  must be followed or you could be disqualified (I am accusing no one of anything illegal contest-wise , but people HAVE tried to take advantage in the past b/c ThoughtsFurPaws is inherently known for its CRAZY-GOOD prize packages:))

CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST.

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we WILL be testing emails.

4. YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys but the Admins and I will also make a decision before the next post and leave a comment after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

5. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment.

6. Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post from a couple days ago here.

And get your entries in fast

  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥   ♥ ♥

So here are two BIG Super Bowl ads you simply cannot miss this Sunday as they have our four-legged friends as the main attraction…

Funny Super Bowl ads from years passed featuring dogs and cats (or other animals as the main performers) have always been big hits! The past performers have always big big passed performers!!

So you must check out the just-released video link to the highly anticipated follow-up to the Darth Vader VW commercial:

“The Dog Strikes Back” (had tears of laughter from this one – first part is WAY funnier than second part)

“]

VW Super Bowl Dog Ad [Image Courtesy DesignYouTrust.com

According to Todd Wasserman’s post on Mashable Business, where I got it: “A chubby dog gets in shape to chase a Beetle in Volkswagen’s long-awaited sequel to its “The Force” Super Bowl ad from last year.

“And don’t worry, there’s a shout out to Star Wars as well.”

Is He a Bit Chubby? YES. Adorable? YES. Wanna Take Him Home? YES. Hilarious? YES!

Keep in mind, the #1 Most Shared Super Bowl Ad this year is “The Barkside:” VW’s 2011 Tribute: “The sequel to the most-shared ad of last year’s Super Bowl, and of all of 2011 for that matter, is leading the pack this year. Volkswagen released this video last week showing dogs barking to the tune of Star Wars’ “The Imperial March.” So does that mean there will be dogs in this year’s ad? More Star Wars? We’ll know soon enough,” Wasserman said on Mashable.

——- ***** ——-

♦ ♦ ◊ ◊ Now there is also THIS hilarious (and SUPER-CUTE!) one to watch out for – from the animal-loving ‘wilderness’ car company, Suzuki ◊ ◊ ♦ ♦

For the second year, Suzuki is throwing its ad/marketing hat into the ring during the Super Bowl with “Sled.”

The stars of Suzuki’s commercial (in addition to its Kizashi sports sedan, of course) this year, however, are of the four-legged variety Our favorite kind ∞

The sled dog team featured in “Sled” are actual snow dogs that Suzuki found at a touring company in Alberta, Canada, near where the ad was shot. The actor dogs were coordinated/handled by Flo Krisko, one of the most respected animal coordinators and trainers in the Motion Picture Association of America. All dogs were securely harnessed in while in the vehicle and a representative from the American Humane Association’s Film and Television Unit attended the “Sled” shoot.

“Sled“

2012 Super Bowl Spot Suzuki Dogs

American Suzuki Motor Corp. today premiered the final version of its 2012 Super Bowl commercial – entitled “Sled” – on its Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube pages. After previewing its big game ad last week, Suzuki upgraded the music in its television spot with a music track by well-known rapper 50 Cent. The artist’s song “Movin On Up” is fitting for Suzuki’s “Sled” advertisement, which illustrates the exhilaration one can receive from upgrading their ordinary daily driver with a more entertaining mode of transportation. In the ad, an Eskimo trades in his dog-powered snow sled for an all-wheel-drive 2012 Kizashi sport sedan. 

Developed by El Segundo, Calif.-based advertising agency Siltanen & Partners Advertising, Suzuki’s “Sled” television spot is set in an isolated mountain location. “Sled” opens with an early morning scene where an Eskimo and his dogsled team ride off into the horizon. As the landscape changes from morning to evening, the quiet still of the frozen tundra gives way to vibrations and a hint of something new in the distance. A Kizashi – accompanied by 50 Cent’s “Movin On Up” – comes driving into view with one of the Huskies’ heads sticking out of the front passenger window enjoying its owner’s new mode of transport. The spot then cuts to the interior of the vehicle, revealing the other sled dogs buckled into the back seat and the Eskimo behind the wheel of the Kizashi – all of whom are digging the lavish accommodations and warm interior of the car, while bumping their heads and tapping their paws to the song’s beat. The Eskimo pulls up to his igloo and his wife comes out to greet him. With a puzzled look on her face, and in her native Inuit tongue, she asks, “Where’s the sled?” The man replies, “I traded it in,” (the conversation is subtitled in English).

A Suzuki Super Bowl Pup Enjoying a Pooch Pastime!

Suzuki’s 2012 Super Bowl spot will air both in 60-second and 30-second formats in the company’s top retail locations across the U.S. “Sled” will continue to run following the Super Bowl in conjunction with a new Suzuki advertising campaign scheduled to debut in March.

In addition, starting on Super Bowl Sunday, Suzuki will give away BARKCODE® tags to the first 1,000 consumers to register on www.KizashiKicks.com/sled.

Each personalized pet identification tag has a scannable 2D code, making it easy for pet owners to be reunited with their four-legged friends when they are lost or even misplaced during a natural disaster.

COOLEST PART????

— With each tag that is ordered through the Kizashi Kicks website, BARKCODE®, on behalf of Suzuki, will donate $3 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief and preparation to help people and pets!!!!

* For additional information on BARKCODE®, please visit www.barkcode.com/.

** A PUPDATE with more previously unseen commercials with pets on the way tomorrow **

Hooray for puppy love this Valentine’s Day!

We will be having a small (for ThoughtsFurPaws) contest for the hub-a-bub heart-happy holiday; it’s being generously sponsored by the following brands: Stella and Chewy’s®, Spring Naturals™ and Lickety Stik® by PetSafe®!

This Contest Is Nothin' to Snooze About; a Previous Entrant Can Tell You!

Did you know that, according to Business Wire, pet parents are so so enamored with their special furry someones – that as many as 64% of Americans pet owners will spoil their pet with a special gift this love season? They spend as much as $15 billion dollars collectively to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Well ThoughtsFurPaws and the aforementioned companies are happy to announce the Valentine’s Contest for Pooches for 2012!

Love to shower your pet with kisses? Then you’ll love Stella & Chewy’s® Carnivore Kisses™ Treats! These freeze-dried treats are made with only natural, premium raw meat and will perfectly compliment your pet’s diet. Every recipe is made without grains, glutens, fillers, added hormones or antibiotics, artificial preservatives and colorings. Carnivore Kisses are 100% nutritious and delicious and are available in 100% Angus Beef, 100% Chicken, 100% Duck and 100% Wild Alaskan Salmon.

Spring Naturals™ is a fresh new line of natural dinners and treats designed to nurture the health and well-being of dogs of all ages and breeds. The family of no-compromise recipes is made with real meats, whole vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains – meat, poultry or fish is always the first ingredient. Then whole chickpeas, green peas and eggs are added to offer pets a unique blend of high-quality proteins. And since these products do not contain meat, poultry or fish meals of any kind, they can be formulated without high-glycemic ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, potato starch or rice. Recently recognized by Pet Business in their 2011 Industry Recognition Awards, Spring Naturals was chosen as the year’s top pet food. Available in Whole Grain and Grain Free varieties (Organic line will arrive this March), Spring Naturals dinners and treats are made by a family-owned company in the USA.

For the pooch with model behavior here is a treat as lovely as he is. Lickety Stik® by PetSafe® is a new and innovative liquid treat for dogs that provides a healthy, all-natural snack while on-the-go. Designed with pet parents’ convenience in mind, Lickety Stik® is easy to throw into a purse or keep in your back pocket when heading out to the park or when packing for a road trip. Most importantly, dogs can’t get enough of this treat! With only 1 calorie in every 10 licks, this is a treat both consumers and their pets can feel good about. Lickety Stik® is available in three irresistible flavors – Savory Chicken, Braised Liver or Smoky Bacon. No matter your Valentine’s Day plans, Lickety Stik® is easy to pack, easy to treat and easy to fall in love with.

*** You can enter the contest by sending me a photo of your cute puppy or dog – he doesn’t have to be dressed up or doing anything silly – just send me your fave dog photo and tell me why it’s your fave and a little background behind the taking of the picture.***

 ♥ ♥ Email them to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com; please put “Valentine’s Day Contest” in the Subject Line. ♥ ♥

Sasha is a special rescue cat.

I know that everyone who has a rescue animal says that – and they truly and whole-heartedly believe it; Sasha is different, however.

Sasha is an uncertified cancer therapy cat.

According to a study by Nestle/Purina Pet Care, “During times of stress or illness, the bond between a pet and … (patient) can be particularly strong.”

The study says that breast cancer patients relied equally upon siblings, parents and CATS for emotional support and love during chemo treatments.

We’ll get back to this in a bit. First let me give you some background.

Sasha knows what the “school of hard knocks” is like… she spent the first 6 months of her life being neglected, ignored, underfed and possibly abused (I never found out for sure but she definitely showed the signs when I stormed in and took her from the previous owner). When I went to “meet her” to see if I was indeed going to take her off the hands of this girl who had flyers around campus, I met a 19-year-old college girl in an apartment with hardly any furniture, an overflowing, disgusting litter box, no water bowl, beer bottles all over the place, a huge stereo… and … well that’s enough of that talk.

That was when I was 21. 21 and boisterous, raw, expressive, gutsy, a bit crazy and willing to do and/or say anything in the name of “animal rights.” (Now I have drawn a metaphorical and precise line between animal welfare and animal rights, with animal rescue advocacy being somewhere in the middle…)

Trust me; I left that apartment with Sasha underarm, police number in hand, ready to report animal cruelty and with that small sassy mademoiselle shaking in her skivvies.

Sasha first started being “therapeutic” back in those first few months I had her in the summer of 2001, my last semester of college at Colorado State University. We had a very nice neighbor, Mrs. B, whose husband denied her the love of charming, kind and cute kittehs; thus, Mrs. B would often put plates of food and other goodies out for Sasha (& Theodore) to eat so she could spend time with them, even though I politely asked her to stop. (Theodore was an outdoor cat with open in and out privileges – I feel no need to deny felines their natural instincts to play and hunt outdoors – I couldn’t very well make Sasha stay in when she was so socurious as to what Dora was doing out there all the time…)

Beautiful Sasha...

I later found out that Mrs. B, who Sasha took a special liking to, was suffering from breast cancer. Sasha – night and day, would sit with her on her front porch for hours, food or not, letting Mrs. B stroke her beautiful long black fur. Sasha would often opt to let Mrs. B cuddle and snuggle her outside during gorgeous stormy days in those unspeakably beautiful Rocky Mountain foothills of Fort Collins.

(Sasha’s older (and covetous, cantankerous) brother Theodore would surely come if food was out, but he was otherwise way too busy clearing the bustling college neighborhood of small birds, Colorado field mice, chipmunks, etc.)

Mrs. B told me – right when she found out that I was leaving Colorado to move back to California to find work after graduation – that she was sick and that Sasha had provided endless comfort to her. She had left me in the dark about her condition for about 8 months, as I left to go to Cali in February or March of 2002. (After 911, finding work in Denver was nearly impossible with so many college kids competing for the same jobs.)

Mrs. B was quite sad to say the least to see Sasha go; so sad in fact, that her husband, after seeing the amazing and positive effects that Sasha had on her over the months, finally caved and went on allergy medication. Mrs. B could now adopt her own cat. I kindly offered to take her to the Humane Society where I had found my Theodore  — she immediately found a cat like Sasha, one who “spoke to her” through the wire cage, one who she said she could feel feeling what she was feeling.

That’s how it happens for most of us cat rescuers I think…

Anyhow, I am not crazy. Mrs. B was not crazy. People who think animals are therapeutic are not crazy.

It is scientifically proven that petting a cat:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers heart rate
• Calms emotions
• Has potential to stop or lower symptoms of a panic attack
• Makes the person feel at ease, i.e. more relaxed

The Purina study also “found that 84 percent of women battling breast cancer said their cat had a calming effect on them during their treatment. Cats also provided daily support to the patient, according to 76 percent of survivors surveyed.”

LifeWithCats.tv offers further proof of the science and history of these relationships for those questioning it, or those interested in the research.

Again – here is some precursor information to lead me into Sasha’s current cancer patient.

When we lived in California from 2002 to 2006, Sasha was a neighborhood roamer — again. Sasha would visit with folks up and down the street, picking the good ones to stop by, visit with and stay awhile.

When we moved to Ohio, she and Theodore couldn’t wait to go out every morning and explore. They absolutely loved the blowing leaves and super-strong lakeshore winds in the fall (similar to where they “grew up” in Colorado), the little critters in the summer and spring, the crisp clean rain to help them groom, and just having four seasons again in general.

We met sweet, sweet Laura right away as Sasha was frequently found in her beautiful backyard garden paradise. Then she started inviting herself into their garage (not the first time she had done this – I once awoke an angry CA neighbor “Umm, my cat is stuck in your closed garage sir…”)

Sashy immediately loved Laura, her son Jon, and her husband Dave. She LOVES men (we deduced it’s because a woman first neglected/abused her as a baby.)

We found out through speaking to Laura outside on a sunny day that she had been fighting breast cancer for a number of years. My ears immediately perked up; my eyes immediately welled up…

She mentioned how sometimes Sasha would be outside meowing to come in their house. Never to turn down a sweet face or this new love in her life, Laura let her in and it was, as I have said before, love at first cuddle.

At some point Sasha got chased by a rather large Great Dane who was visiting the house behind us and she stayed inside for the winter and then through the spring of 2007. When she finally started going outside again – late spring – it was straight back to Laura’s. It was like she went outside and immediately ran over there.

Something was wrong and Sasha could feel in inside. She was relentless at the door at 6 am before it was light out to get over to see Laura; she needed to confirm her suspicions. She would zoom over to Laura’s as soon as the door opened for her in the morning, and stay over there all day until we went to get her at 9 or 10 pm or Dave brought her home.

Mom and I started to joke around about it before we knew it was serious: we always jested that over at Laura’s, Sasha has a silk pillow with satin lining and an “S” engraved on it. This is surrounded by a personal fan, a porcelain dish consistently filled to the brim with crème, and an entire corner of the couch. (Now in reality, she does have her own small couch, and she does spend many days sitting on their absolutely stunning, black Baby Grand looking out the window… And of course she gets crème there, but the whole neighborhood gives her that at this point!)

In an earlier post about this, I noted that sweet “Auntie Laura” has kitty treats – the good kind — for Sasha. And she also gets – sometimes — whatever the family has for dinner because Laura has said that Sasha meows for food (she’s a bad beggar, comes from her early roots) and she can’t resist her sweet little ways.

Laura was in such bad shape at this point that her son, Jon came home to help Dave. The chemo was totally wrecking her body and for quite a while we didn’t see her outside in the yard gardening… or outside doing anything. She lost weight, or gained it. She got sicker from the chemo. So sick she couldn’t’ leave her bed some days.

(Those of you who have experience with this know what I am talking about; I have been blessed to never have a human family member get cancer so I do not know first-hand what treatment is like…)

When Laura finally did appear in the mid-summer she wandered over to our house. Practically in tears she was exasperated, and said that she didn’t know what she would do without Sasha; how Sasha comforted her and help her relax. Sasha would lie on her (or next to her) for hours or all day long to keep her company. Sasha was the only thing that made her happy and gave her hope. She always had the energy to snuggle Sasha no matter how tired she was. This is what Laura told us.

We offered to help Laura find a rescue cat to keep. She said she wouldn’t be able to do it because she would never want to leave the cat. We asked her where she was going and she trailed off, “I don’t know how long I’ll be…” She kept repeating how Sasha is her savior and how enamored with her she is.

My Mom and I were almost in tears after that. We realized just how much Sasha meant to this sweet lady. We allow Sasha to stay at Auntie Laura and Uncle Dave’s all day long, bringing her home only at night time to sleep with me. Every now and then she will actually eat dinner at her real house, too.

We don’t care. We just want her to help Laura.

UPDATE:

In late 2011, Laura’s cancer, after coming and going for years, progressed into many places: it came back with vengeance and pure evil and invaded her bones and spine, among other places. She has had too many relapses to count, and each time, she gets herself through with support from her family – and from Sasha.

All chemo options have failed. All medications, steroids, pills, radiation treatments, and other courses have done some, but little, to help her. Some of the best doctors in the world at the Cleveland Clinic offer ideas or courses of treatment that simply cannot compete with the comfort, relaxation, and general good vibes that Sasha offers Laura.

Sometimes the Sasha relationship is not all sunshine and roses. There have been a few days here in the last couple months where even Sasha can’t really help her. Shakespeare once said, “Though he be little, he is mighty;” and that’s the attitude Sasha has. She’s come home a few nights recently with a small fever or a bit of an attitude of her own because, as Laura says in her cute little voice, “she’s punky!” Punky! Ha! You can tell that Sasha is “off.”

I made some inquiries to behaviorists/therapists and found that Sasha is simply trying quite hard to take on the emotional and physical pain Laura is experiencing – she is trying SO hard to help and heal her.

She’s the “Laura Whisperer.”

I told Laura this, and she got a bit upset, but I added that it does not hurt Sasha. Most cats and dogs have a very large capacity for pain of any kind – they are so much stronger than we humans are. That is, after all, why they can be used in therapy in the first place.

They heal. They help. They quiet. They cool. They make people smile and laugh; they help patients forget – even if just for a bit – about their conditions. For example, a 2005 press release on PRWeb said that one study group reported, “… a cat’s purr has been analyzed to be at the same frequency of vibration that mends bones.”

How amazing is that?

Laura is the strongest woman, alongside my own Mother and my Grandmother, that I know. I have such great respect and admiration for her – I love her like I love my own Mother.

And Sasha is responsible for bringing us together in illness. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis as well as a brain/mental disorder. Laura just happens to be a studied and specialized therapist in treatment; she holds a PhD and my doctor told me she is one of the most well-respected and reputable treatment specialists in Cleveland, and that 10 years ago you would have been hard-pressed to find someone in the field who didn’t know her name.  She has helped me multiple times and she says it’s in exchange for Sasha’s services.

Sasha has grown increasingly frustrated being in at our house since we got the two rescue babies – Maxwell and Tater. She does still love, of course, to sleep right next to my head, exactly as she has for the last 10 years of her life. But she prefers to spend her days relaxing with Laura and/or sleeping on Dave’s lap, offering him comfort too, as cancer is a family disease.

I will continue to allow Sasha to do what she can to help and heal Laura.

I will continue to do as much research as I can on the issue to find out what I can; I also plan to see if it’s worthwhile to get Sasha certified, although that idea sometimes leaves a bad taste in my mouth because I want Sash to continue to be Laura’s special treatment plan, and hers only.

Ironically, we found out this week that Sasha is suffering from her own condition – Osteoarthritis. She is on steroids – which Laura was on for months and months and months. So it seems that now Laura is familiar with what Sasha is feeling.

Amazing how the Powers That Be work sometimes, isn’t it?

Sasha and Laura will be forever connected, and I couldn’t be happier about the relationship. As for their diseases, I pray every morning and night that they will be comforted and that maybe, just maybe, a cure will be found one day soon…

Bless you Laura, and all you have done for us. Having you in our lives makes us grateful, more loving and caring, more forgiving and happier to be alive. We love you. And Sasha will always be here for you!

*** If you have thoughts on cats treating humans with cancer or animals offering cancer patients therapy, please leave them below. ***

**** Please, more importantly, leave your encouraging words for Laura – our dear Laura – who is such a fighter that on her last trip to the doctor, when her oncologist looked at her and told her they had been through all her options, she replied by looking up at him and saying, “Well then we’re going to have to figure something out aren’t we because I’m not just going to give up.” ****

It’s people like Laura and Dave (and Jon, the most caring son you could imagine having) that make this crazy world a better place.

* *All Live Strong© graphics are copyright the Lance Armstrong foundation, but were used in the graphic designs of my dear friend at Zoolatry for general use.

So here is the latest “Stella-Bella” update for all you Boston Terrier and puppy fans out there…

♥ ♥ First of all, let me tell you how SPOILED ROTTEN THIS GIRL IS: her Daddy, my manager, just bought her a Louis Vuitton dog collar and she looks ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE in it. ♥ ♥ I never thought I would be one to condone spending THAT kind of money on a pet, but I guess I surprised myself…!

Stella and Daddy Sleeping...

You recently read about Stella’s first Christmas - well the collar was a POST-Xmas present — that’s how much Daddy loves this little pistol of a dog… and trust me, she is a pistol. She runs so fast outside the office in the woods and her little fun areas, it looks like she’s a miniature black hovercraft (I know I said that about Henry once, but he’s too old now to move that fast…!) (You FIRST read about Stella HERE.)

Stella's New Amigo!

BTW, Stella recently met a new friend on a walk – we can’t remember his name, but he is pictured to the right there!

Stella is so energetic; her fave toy is a Frisbee. In our business, we do a lot of shipping and Stella has a knack for sneaking into the warehouse and stealing the lids off the shipping tubes, which are perfect frisbees for her little Boston Terrier body.

And by the way – my Manager brought up a point the other day that I argued him on a d I wanted to know what you all think. He said that Boston Terriers are actually NOT Terriers, which I don’t understand at all. I can’t remember who told him that – but they said that Boston Terriers do NOT have typical Terrier traits, i.e. they have flat heads and ears! HA!

Which other traits he was speaking of I do not know, because the ones I’m familiar with are the obvious traits of:

• “tinyness”
• being a bit wiry
• very active
• fearless
• three types are working, toy and bull
• females bark at EVERYTHING unless you train it out of them

Anyhow, I think Stella shows these in full force… what do you think?

Sooo, on to the Pet Product of the Week!

We and Stella LOVE LOVE LOVED the Spring Naturals Beef Treats — they have a nice, refreshing, smelly “medley” of fruits & berries and are not shaped or formed like any other treat I have ever seen. They are baked, natural treats that are made from real beef with plentiful rations of veggies, fruits and whole grains. They’re a great way to reward your dog…

The best parts about Spring Naturals: first of all, Stella LOVES them because they smell and taste different from anything else she’s EVER had; secondly, because real beef is the first ingredient; and finally, because there is no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, by-products, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors!

So Spring Naturals totally makes “Pet Product of the Week” for ThoughtsFurPaws, with Stella’s four paws of approval!

Also, just to let you know they’re reputable and I’m not just saying this because they sent me a bag for review — Spring Naturals, in early January, won the Pet Business, a prestigious trade magazine, Industry Recognition Award in the dog food category!

** For a newcomer, that’s pretty darn impressive if you ask us! **

Stay tuned for more Stella stories and antics; you;ll soon see how smart Stella is:

she learned sit, high-five and more in just days at the hands of a very patient and smart co-worker of mine!

I was asked politely to post this — and I agreed…

… but I stipulated that I will not be endorsing the author’s point of view.

This post is about (supposed) “mean” things” that pet owners do their animals; some are plain old silly, some are natural, & some, I have no idea why the author wrote what she did…I’m not even giving the link juice out…

I do agree with a few – the actual mean one or two that are in here… the others, well, I just want my readers to see how bat-shit-crazy people are sometimes, and the things they will write to get attention and for the sake of controversy. (Trust me, ThoughtsFurPaws doesn’t need it).

You will notice that after some of these points I have listed a “point” of my own opinion…

Here goes:

“The relationship between a person and their pet is a powerful one, but every once in a while, pet owners take their love to a … new level of absurdity … downright meanness. Even seemingly innocent activities like pushing a cat in a stroller or putting bows in a dog’s hair can be torturous and … cruel. Unless you want your pet to hate you or feel like less of an animal, steer clear of these pet peeves of the pets. (Okay, that’s a cute saying…) Here are the 10 meanest things owners love to do to their pets.”

1. DRESS THEM UP: Today’s pet owners are obsessed with dressing up their dogs and cats in ridiculous costumes and clothing for holidays and virtually any occasion. As if being dressed isn’t humiliating enough, owners have the nerve to take their dressed up pets out in public. Let’s face it: pets hate clothes and accessories, so stop torturing them with such silly costumes.

2. PUT TAPE ON THEIR PAWS: THIS ONE I agree with… Pets withstand a lot of humiliation, but one of the meanest things that owners love to do to them is put office or Scotch tape on their paws. Pet owners have a blast watching cats and dogs squirm and stick to the floor with every sticky step. This seemingly innocent prank is actually just plain mean!

** I have seen this and it’s flat-out animal cruelty for one reason – because it SCARES the animal. They dont’ understand and are afraid. I believe that this factor makes this an actual mean thing to do… ***

Per #1, Franklin had a BLAST as Elmo at Halloween being dressed up!

3. WAKE THEM UP: There may be nothing cuter than a curled up kitten or a snoring dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to wake them up when they’re sound asleep. Pet owners have no problem waking their furry friends as they catch some Zs, but we hate it when they do it back. Just like you wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby, you should resist the temptation to wake a sleeping pet.

4. TEASE THEM: Some pet owners are downright mean and love to tease their dogs and cats with toys and treats. You might get a good laugh watching your dog search relentlessly for a ball you never threw, but this kind of teasing can come back to bite you big time. Teasing and play-fighting can cause dogs to become aggressive and disobedient.

*** Special note, the author used the famous 2011 YouTube video, Ultimate Dog Tease for an example of this. That video was NUMBER ONE for the YEAR with MILLIONS of hits, and by no real means even teased the animal…. IT WAS A JOKE LADY

5. PUT CATS ON LEASHES: Let’s say it together: Dogs walk on leashes, not cats. Sadly, there are too many cat owners out there who don’t understand this concept. Cats don’t like leashes and probably never will. If your feline wants to walk with you, they’ll follow you without a leash.

6. MAKE THEM DANCE: Unless your dog is related to the salsa-dancing golden retriever on YouTube, he or she probably doesn’t like to dance. And cats? Forget about it. People love to swing around their pets and make them stand up and dance against their will, but this cruel activity often ends in biting, scratching, and a hatred for dancing.

7. PAINT THEIR NAILS: Some pet owners have taken dog grooming to whole other level of wacky by getting their pooches’ nails primped and polished. And the worst part is male dogs are also at risk of having their nails painted. When will people learn that pets are animals and not dolls?

*** While not mean, I kinda think this is a bit too much, but I think I feel that way becuase I had early over-exposure to it when I lived in The OC. All the seriously wealthy women came into Nordy where I worked with their pimped out Pomeranians… getting manis and pedis and I was shocked because the dogs didn‘t like it… ** If your dog enjoys it – by all means, it’s cute as hell - but if she doesn’t, maybe think twice next time about some large thing coming at you with stinky colored stuff and scissors and clippers…

8. PUT THEM IN STROLLERS AND PURSES: Four-legged creatures are meant to walk, not be strolled or carried by their owners everywhere they go. You might think you’re spoiling your dog or cat by toting them in a stroller or bag, but you’re actually humiliating them and taking away valuable exercise time.

*** Um, how else are you supposed to carry a teacup breed in the 21st century – hee hee???? ****

*** And Im sure any dog who is spoiled enough to get a free ride in a Fendi gets PLENTY of exercise….! ***

9. PUT THEIR EMBARRASING MOMEN TS ON YOUTUBE: Pet owners get a lot of entertainment from watching their dogs and cats every day, but that doesn’t mean you should share their embarrassing moments with the whole world. Pet owners love to videotape their animals playing, sleeping, and making complete fools of themselves and put these moments on YouTube for all to see.

*** Are you a… something not smart??? One of the greatest joys of pet ownership is sharing your fur-baby’s silly antics with other pet-lovers – online or where ever – blockhead. ****

10. TAKE GLAMOUR SHOTS: You may love to take photos of your fur babies, but some people go as far as having them professionally photographed. Although some dogs and cats can sit still for a photo session, most don’t have the patience for stillness, bright lights, and the silly props that come with most pet glamour shots.

Let me know what you think… are these things mean – or are they normal and natural? OR BOTH? What’s your opinion?

And to the original author – please take no offense to me calling you a blockhead; but I disagree and believe this is horse-puckey.

ODE TO TATE, OUR WILD, RESCUE ABYSSINIAN KITTY

You have a nose that’s bright pinky

You’re the same color as a Twinkie,

And you’re always a little blinky…

You’re never ever stinky.

Our “Minian”-Minion- (to your fat ol’ brother) Abyssinian,

You’re the teeny tiny Tater Tot,

you certainly weigh just a little

But certainly love a whole lot

You’re aka the” Sweet Tatey-Potatey,”

Mommy’s beloved orange little baby

Sometimes you’re P-Tootey Scootey,

the teeny auburn kitty with a teeny kitty booty…

You’re itty-bitty teeny-tiny

Never whiney and always super shiny

Waiting your turn at dinner

Avoiding your Mad Maxwell brother – who’s the opposite of thinner…

You heart doing lovey-doveys

on blankies with your mini-clawless paws

You love rubby-dubbies with your teeny ears,

you heart your “muth-er,” and show it by kissing her nose, cheeks and jaws

You patiently wait for crunchies

or fabulous dinner tableside-munchies

Like a good-natured little boy

You’re respectful and kind and it’s your rescued life you now enjoy

In his favorite spot, the window sill...

You’re the head and founder of the” itty-bitty-kitty-committee®”

Always polite, never sassy, but seriously witty

So Momma Jaime made up this little ditty

To dedicate to you…,

Our seemingly 3-ounce, wild rescue wonder-kitty!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

In mid-December, IAMS and the Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) team helped ring the opening bell at the NYSE with some unspeakably adorable four-legged friends from Bideawee, a rescue organization participating in the program that has several locations in New York…!

IAMS, HWAC and Fur-Babies Open NYSE in December

According to the website, Bideawee is “a community of compassionate caregivers, volunteers, and friends dedicated to helping people and animals build safe, loving, long-term relationships.”

Anyhow, take a look at the cute pix from the NYSE day – and also, check out the latest information below about the IAMS Home for the Holidays program — its almost done! Our progress is AWESOME and totally noteworthy…

** 1,074,532 pets adopted since Oct. 1, 2011 – Our goal is to help 1.5 million pets get into loving forever homes…

** 4,998,792 meals donated through Bags 4 Bowls since Oct. 1, 2011 – Our goal is to give 5 million

You, as readers, can continue to help spread the word about the importance of pet adoption, and encourage friends to get involved and make a difference for the homeless animals in our country.

Trader Christopher Carella and Mabel, a dog up for adoption through IH4TH

Here are some easy (and fun) ways to help:

Adoption Announcement & Holiday Cards: 

Visit Facebook.com/Iams and share your creation with your friends… meals will be donated to pets in need.

Badges:

♥ Go to the Iams Facebook page to download and share “Paw It Forward” badges touting whether you’ve donated, volunteered or adopted! ♥

♥♥ In case you forgot, IAMS Home for the Holidays is the world-famous adoption program started by Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) and their President, Mike Arms (my personal hero). Since it’s inception, the program has homed over 5.7 million homeless animals. ♥♥

♥♥ For more information, check out HWAC and IAMS. ♥♥